An estimated 5.5 billion people, or 68% of the world’s population, were online in 2024, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, internet access remained a significant challenge in low-income countries, where only 27% of the population had connectivity. The ITU’s “Facts and Figures 2024” report highlighted major disparities in access. Least developed countries (LDCs) reported internet access rates of 35%, while landlocked developing countries fared slightly better at 39%. The ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said, “Facts and Figures 2024 is a tale of two digital realities between high-income and low-income countries. Stark gaps in critical connectivity indicators are cutting off the most vulnerable people from online access to information, education and employment opportunities.” “This report is a reminder that true progress in our interconnected world isn’t just about how fast we move forward but about making sure everyone moves forward together.” Globally, the number of people offline fell from an estimated 2.8 billion in 2023 to 2.6 billion in 2024, accounting for 32% of the world’s population. In Nigeria, internet penetration reached 42.24% in October 2024, an increase from 41.56% in September, according to a report by the Nigerian Communications Commission. Despite this growth, Nigeria’s connectivity rate remains below the global average, underscoring challenges faced by low-income nations. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunications Development Bureau, said, “The world is inching towards universal access at a time that it should be sprinting. “While we continue to make progress on connectivity, our advances mask significant gaps in the world’s most vulnerable communities, where digital exclusion makes life even more challenging. “We must intensify our efforts to remove the barriers that keep people offline and close the usage gap and renew our commitment to achieving universal and meaningful connectivity so that everyone can access the internet.” The ITU’s report stresses the need for collective global action to bridge the digital divide and ensure internet access for the most disadvantaged communities.
UK prime minister, Keir Starmer announces plan to lead global AI innovation
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a plan to position Britain as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), promising a flexible regulatory framework to boost the country’s economy. Speaking on Monday, Starmer said AI has the potential to transform public services and drive significant economic growth. His government’s “AI Opportunities Action Plan” outlines 50 recommendations for integrating AI into public services, including education and infrastructure maintenance. “AI is the greatest force for change in the world right now. I am determined to harness it to usher in a golden age of public service reform,” Starmer wrote in an article published in the Financial Times. The plan includes the creation of dedicated “AI growth zones” to expedite planning for data centres and infrastructure projects. It also proposes increasing the UK’s server capacity twentyfold by 2030, with the government pledging to build a new supercomputer. Starmer’s administration estimates AI could contribute £47 billion annually to the UK economy over the next decade. The government announced that three companies—Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl—have already committed £14 billion in AI investments, expected to create over 13,000 jobs. Starmer has proposed a regulatory path that diverges from both the European Union’s stringent data protection laws and the United States’ largely deregulated approach. He said the UK’s approach would test AI long before we regulate, so that everything we do will be proportionate and grounded in the science. The Labour government’s strategy reflects a bid to attract global investment while addressing concerns about the unchecked use of AI. Opposition members have criticised the plan, with Shadow Science Secretary Alan Mak accusing the government of underfunding its ambitions. “AI does have the potential to transform public services, but Labour’s economic mismanagement and uninspiring plan will mean Britain is left behind,” Mak said. There are also concerns about the impact of AI on jobs, with some fearing automation could lead to significant job losses. However, senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden said, “It’s too pessimistic to simply talk about job losses. Like previous technological waves, AI will disrupt but also create new opportunities.” Starmer has made economic recovery a key focus since taking office in July, but his government faces significant hurdles. Slower-than-expected growth, rising borrowing costs, and a weakening pound have limited his fiscal options, raising the prospect of spending cuts or tax increases. The government plans to conclude consultations on AI-related copyright laws next month, aiming to clarify how intellectual property rules apply to AI-generated content. Starmer said this effort seeks to balance innovation with protections for the creative industries. While the Prime Minister’s plan aims to harness the potential of AI for economic growth and public service reform, its success will depend on how the government navigates regulatory, financial, and societal challenges in the coming years.
IMF warns artificial intelligence could destabilise financial markets
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial markets poses serious risks, including increased market volatility, reduced transparency, and higher vulnerability to cyberattacks. The warning comes from the IMF’s latest Global Financial Stability Report, which highlights both the benefits and potential dangers of AI in the financial sector. The fund noted that AI is increasingly being used by hedge funds, investment banks, and other market participants to execute trades faster and manage risks more effectively. “The adoption of the latest iterations of artificial intelligence by financial markets can improve risk management and deepen liquidity, but it could also make markets opaque, harder to monitor, and more vulnerable to cyberattacks and manipulation risks,” the report stated. The report raised concerns about AI’s ability to process massive datasets and execute trades within fractions of a second. While this can improve efficiency, it also increases the likelihood of “flash crash” events, where market prices swing dramatically in short timeframes. The IMF drew comparisons to the 2010 flash crash in US equities, which caused widespread disruption. AI’s capability to analyse unstructured data, such as news and social media content, was also flagged as a risk. The IMF said this could lead to unpredictable market movements, particularly during periods of uncertainty or stress. AI is already transforming the financial industry by enhancing speed and precision in trading. However, the IMF warned that if left unchecked, its widespread use could create systemic challenges, including making markets harder to regulate and more prone to manipulation. The report called on policymakers and market participants to carefully monitor and manage these risks as AI’s role in the financial sector continues to expand.
Texas lawmakers say ‘No ID, no porn’ – Is this the new age of censorship?
The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a case challenging new age verification laws that have been enacted in more than a dozen states. These laws require pornography websites to confirm users’ ages, often through methods such as scanning government-issued IDs or using facial recognition technology. As a result, major adult sites like Pornhub have blocked access to users in states like Texas and Florida, leaving many surprised and frustrated. Over the past two and a half years, 19 states, representing over a third of the U.S. population, have passed laws aimed at restricting access to pornography for minors. Supporters of these laws argue that they are necessary to protect children from explicit content. However, critics contend that these regulations infringe on free speech rights and could ultimately harm the adult entertainment industry. The upcoming Supreme Court case will focus on the constitutionality of these laws and could set significant precedents regarding free speech and censorship. The court’s decision may reshape how adult content is regulated in the United States, potentially overturning decades of legal protections. For many users attempting to access Pornhub in states with these new laws, the experience has been jarring. Instead of finding their usual content, they are greeted with a black screen message explaining that they are blocked due to state legislation. This has led Pornhub to redirect users to contact their representatives about the restrictions rather than pay millions for age verification services. Critics of the age verification laws argue that they do little to prevent minors from accessing pornography while placing an undue burden on adults seeking legal content. Solomon Friedman, co-founder of the private equity firm that owns Pornhub, stated, “The rise of these laws is not about keeping young people safe; it’s about controlling what adults can experience as legal and consensual.” The push for these laws has been fueled by conservative groups aligned with Project 2025, a policy blueprint anticipating Donald Trump’s second term in office. The document outlines a desire to outlaw pornography altogether and suggests using age verification laws as a means to achieve this goal without facing immediate backlash. Russell Vought, a former Trump administration official involved with Project 2025, was recorded discussing how these laws could effectively drive adult sites out of business by making compliance too costly. “We’re doing it from the back door, starting with the kids,” he said in the video. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on Wednesday regarding Texas’ age verification law, legal experts are closely watching how justices will approach this issue. The court’s decision could hinge on precedents set in previous cases like Reno v. ACLU, which established that broad restrictions on speech cannot be justified when less restrictive alternatives exist. Geoffrey R. Stone, a law professor at the University of Chicago, noted that while existing law allows for protecting children from obscene material, any measures taken must not unduly restrict adults’ access to constitutionally protected content. The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected later this summer and will likely influence similar laws across the country. For now, many users in states with age verification requirements are turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions, an ironic twist reminiscent of tactics used in countries with strict online censorship The Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on age verification laws will have far-reaching implications for both the adult entertainment industry and the broader landscape of online free speech. This legal battle not only highlights the tension between protecting children and safeguarding adult rights but also raises important questions about privacy and censorship in the digital age. With many users resorting to VPNs to bypass restrictions, the effectiveness of these laws remains uncertain. Ultimately, the court’s decision will shape how society navigates the complex intersection of technology, morality, and personal freedom in an increasingly connected world.
Frank McCourt bids to acquire Tik-Tok’s U.S. operations amid ban concerns
Frank McCourt has officially submitted a bid to acquire the social media platform’s U.S. operations, a move that could reshape the future of Tik-tok in the United States. McCourt, who is best known as the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is leading a consortium under the initiative dubbed Project Liberty. This comes at a critical time as TikTok faces a potential nationwide ban due to ongoing concerns about data security and its ties to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. McCourt’s proposal is not just about ownership; it’s about creating a fairer digital landscape. He emphasizes that his goal is to keep TikTok accessible to millions of American users while addressing pressing issues around privacy and algorithm transparency. “We’ve put forward a proposal to ByteDance to realize Project Liberty’s vision for a reimagined TikTok, one built on an American-made tech stack that puts people first,” McCourt stated. The plan involves transferring TikTok’s substantial U.S. user base, approximately 170 million people, to infrastructure developed in the United States. This shift aims to alleviate data security fears and ensure that the platform operates independently from its current, often-criticized algorithms. The consortium backing McCourt’s bid has reportedly secured significant financial support from private equity firms and high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, they have arranged debt financing through one of the largest banks in the country, providing them with the resources needed to pursue this complex acquisition. While the exact financial details of the offer haven’t been disclosed, McCourt’s team has expressed confidence in their ability to navigate this challenging transaction. Project Liberty has garnered support from various TikTok creators and has enlisted a network of experienced legal and financial advisers to help guide them through the process. Notably, “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary has joined the consortium and confirmed discussions with President-elect Donald Trump regarding the bid. The timing of this bid is particularly crucial as it coincides with a Supreme Court hearing on TikTok’s legal challenge against a federal mandate requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations. The court is set to hear arguments regarding this law, which could force TikTok to sell or face a nationwide ban effective January 19, just one day before Trump’s inauguration. Despite previous reluctance from ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets, McCourt’s consortium remains optimistic about their proposal. They promise not only to preserve TikTok’s cultural impact but also to create a safer and more transparent platform for American users. As the clock ticks down on TikTok’s uncertain future, all eyes are on McCourt and his ambitious plans for Project Liberty. Will this bid succeed in securing a new chapter for TikTok in America? Only time will tell.
X’s live streaming test: Elon Musk’s vision for an all-in-one app experience takes shape
X—formerly known as Twitter, has begun testing live streaming capabilities, with none other than Elon Musk leading the charge. On January 7, 2025, Musk captivated audiences by broadcasting himself playing a video game for nearly two hours, marking a significant step in his ambition to transform X into an “everything app.” The live stream lasted for 1 hour and 38 minutes and drew in a massive audience eager to watch Musk navigate through the game. Viewers flooded the comment section, sparking lively discussions and sharing humorous suggestions for future streams. One user playfully suggested Musk’s username should be “Percy Verence,” while another asked if he would consider playing Detroit: Become Human. The interactive nature of the stream highlighted X’s potential to offer a unique and engaging experience that could rival established platforms like Amazon’s Twitch and Google’s YouTube. Musk’s casual interactions with viewers created a vibrant atmosphere during the stream. Comments ranged from genuine admiration to light-hearted jokes, with one user marveling at how Musk managed to play high-intensity games without missing a target. Another user humorously imagined a future stream featuring Musk and former President Trump playing Wii Sports together. This live streaming test is part of Musk’s broader vision for X, which he has described as evolving from “Twitter 1.0” into a comprehensive platform that combines features from various applications, including YouTube, LinkedIn, and even banking services. “We’re rapidly transforming the company,” Musk emphasized during a recent meeting with employees. This latest streaming attempt follows Musk’s earlier experiment in October 2023, where he played Diablo IV for 52 minutes. That initial stream garnered around 20,000 views despite some technical hiccups. In contrast, the January 2025 live stream showed remarkable improvement, attracting millions of viewers and confirming X’s potential as a serious contender in the live streaming arena. As X continues to innovate and expand its offerings beyond text and video posts, this test stream signals an exciting new chapter for the platform. With Musk at the helm, users can expect more engaging content and interactive experiences in the future.